NFL wire notes: Koren Robinson named in sex scandal

ST. PAUL, Minn. — As the investigation continues into an alleged sex party involving Minnesota Vikings players, the Minneapolis Star Tribune yesterday named quarterback Daunte Culpepper, former Seahawks receiver Koren Robinson and receiver Nate Burleson from Seattle's O'Dea High School among several team members on Lake Minnetonka charter boats where the party is believed to have occurred.

In addition, left tackle Bryant McKinnie, cornerback Fred Smoot, running back Mewelde Moore, all-pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams, tight end Jermaine Wiggins, safety Darren Sharper, running back Moe Williams, cornerback Ralph Brown, and wide receivers Troy Williamson and Travis Taylor were passengers, reported the newspaper, citing an unnamed source with direct knowledge of the case.

But Robinson said yesterday he was not on either boat and was upset the Star Tribune associated him with this incident, given his effort to rebuild his life.

"I wasn't there," Robinson said. "As far as the whole situation, I just know I wasn't on the boat, and I don't want to get involved. I don't want my name brought up because of what I just went through and what I'm still going through.

"So for my name to be brought up like that is just crazy and upsetting, because I don't want anyone looking at me because I had nothing to do with it."

Robinson, who has struggled with substance abuse for several years, was released by the Seahawks in June after he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol on May 31. After checking out of a 12-step, 30-day program at the University of South Carolina on Aug. 28, he signed with the Vikings on Sept. 7. He is in the NFL's substance-abuse program, and he gets randomly tested for alcohol and drugs multiple times a month.

After practice on Oct. 6, the day of the boat party, Robinson said he proceeded to the hotel he was temporarily living in, gathered his belongings and moved into a home he purchased in Eden Prairie, Minn. Because of the party, Robinson said he did not want to "bother anybody" and ask for help from teammates. Robinson said he finished up around 8:30 p.m. and called his son Marquise, who turned 4 that day.

"I'm going to see where this is going to go," Robinson said when asked about his name being mentioned by the Star Tribune. "But if it goes any further, I'm definitely going to protect my name."

Burleson said yesterday: "The truth is always the best remedy for any situation. I'll reserve any comment until then."

Culpepper declined comment, and McKinnie said, "I'm upset my name is on the list, but I'm going to let my lawyer handle that."

Since Wednesday, Culpepper, Wiggins, Moe Williams, Brown and Taylor all declined comment when asked about the boat scandal. Smoot has denied arranging the boats, as attorney Stephen Doyle, who represents charter-cruise company, has said.

Moore said last week he was on the boat but denied witnessing sexual activity.

The party occurred Oct. 6 when members of the Vikings' rookie class rented the boats with about 90 guests. Some team members are accused of participating in activities that involved strippers, lap dances and sex acts.

Note

• Indianapolis safety Mike Doss, who suffered a hyperextended left knee in practice Friday, is expected to start tomorrow night when the Indianapolis Colts play St. Louis.